text:
Are there any freeware user interface tools for DB2 to be used in Linux (Ubuntu 11.04)? RazorSQL is pretty good, but it's not freeware.
Take the 2-minute tour ×
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Have you checked out SQuirreL SQL? http://squirrel-sql.sourceforge.net/
It's licensed under the LGPL.
Our organization uses DbVisualizer. It has downloads for Linux, although we've just used the Windows version.


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Because you can't spend all day every day journeying around IgoUgo, editors round up the highlights: members' notable trips, newest reviews, favorite destinations, contests, and more. Have a question or idea? Let us know!
Photo by andee506
Posted on
May 2, 2012
Posted by jhartmann13 (JJ Hartmann)
500 words or less

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Happy days are here again for the euro - for now, says this strategist.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande gave the euro a boost today when they followed European Central Bank President Mario Draghi's euro pledge with one of their own. Kathy Lien, managing director at BK Asset Management, says the strength could continue near term.
Lien expects a lot of action for the euro next week, she told CNBC's Scott Wapner, what with upcoming central bank meetings and economic reports. And overall, she predicts, euro holders are likely to be happy.
"I'm long term bearish euros, but I do think there could be a little bit of a squeeze higher," she says.
Alluding to the comments by Merkel, Hollande, and other top officials, Lien argues that "all this talk we've heard from EU policy makers is telling us they're preparing the markets for something big." So she thinks the euro could see some short covering leading up to next Thursday's European Central Bank meeting.
The U.S. could also give the euro a lift, Lien says. "Payrolls in the U.S. are looking like they could top 100,000 in the upcoming month. if that's the case, they could help our risk rally."
So Lien wants to buy the euro on a dip, right around 1.2325, with a stop at 1.2250 and a target of 1.2435 "for a quick pop higher in the coming week."
You can watch the discussion on the video link, starting at 0:36.
Tune In: CNBC's "Money in Motion Currency Trading" airs on Fridays at 5:30pm and repeats on Saturdays at 7pm.
Learn more: The essential vocabulary for currency trading is on Key Terms Dictionary. Top currency strategies are broken down for you in Currency Class.
Talk back: Tell us what you want to hear about - email us at email@example.com.


text:
England's squad for the 1st Investec Ashes Test Match at Trent Bridge has been announced
England selectors today named a 13-man squad for the first Investec Ashes Test commencing on Wednesday.
Alastair Cook captains a squad that includes four members (Bairstow, Bresnan, Finn and Root) who were not involved in England's most recent home series against Australia in 2009. Yorkshire duo Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root who have played 14 Tests between them are the only players yet to play in an Ashes series. Five pace bowlers have been selected with Bresnan and Onions the two bowlers who did not feature in England's most recent Test series victory against New Zealand earlier this summer while Kevin Pietersen returns to the Test squad for the first time since March having recovered from a knee injury.
National selector Geoff Miller said: "This is an incredibly exciting period of cricket coming up against Australia and we know we will need to play to our full potential throughout the entire Investec Ashes Series if we are to retain the Ashes. We are satisfied with our preparations so far ahead of the first Test with both Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad recovering well from the injuries they picked up earlier this week. The squad will continue their hard work over the next few days and will be eagerly anticipating the start of the series on Wednesday at Trent Bridge."
England squad
Alastair Cook (Essex) (Capt)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Ian Bell (Warwickshire)
Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Steven Finn (Middlesex)
Graham Onions (Durham)
Kevin Pietersen (Surrey)
Matt Prior (Sussex)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire)
Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire)
Picture (c) Anthony Devlin/PA Archive/Press Association Images


text:
Senator To Visit Frederick Roofing Company to Discuss Bill
On Monday, September 19, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) will travel to Frederick, MD to unveil legislation that will help the struggling construction industry, create up to 40,000 new jobs nationwide and increase energy efficiency. The bipartisan bill will create economic growth by removing obstacles in the tax code that hinder the upgrading and modernization of roofs by significantly reducing the depreciation schedule for commercial roof retrofits.
The Energy-Efficient Cool Roof Jobs Act will provide economic incentives that will accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient roofs. The bill will change the current 39-year depreciation in the tax code for new commercial roofs to a shorter, 20-year depreciation schedule for commercial roof retrofits.
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) has co-sponsored the legislation, which has the support of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA), Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), United Union of Roofers, among 9 other construction industry associations.
· WHAT: Senator Cardin to unveil bill that will aid construction industry
· WHEN: Monday, September 19 at 11 a.m.
· WHERE: Kalkreuth Roofing,
9001 Baltimore Road,
Frederick, MD


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I know that there is the small cold damage buff. But what I am curious about is the buff to cold skill damage. I know it will buff any skills that are listed as cold damage, obviously. But does it calculate into the non-class skill "frozen orb" that has a chance to be cast on attack from Wizard spike?
If so, I'm interested in making a super fast monk or barb that can spam frozen orbs and possibly other "chance on attack" skills. At the very least, make use of sledgefist in combination with it on the monk, since it would be relying more on the frozen orb damage and not the character listed dps. That is, if it works the way I hope it would. Something possibly fun and different... Just some food for thought.
Results 1 to 4 of 4
Thread: Frosties with non class skills
19-02-2013, 03:58 #1
- Join Date
- Nov 2003
- Location
- Illinois BattleTag pizzle-1873
- Posts
- 444
Frosties with non class skills
20-02-2013, 03:27 #2
- Join Date
- Nov 2003
- Location
- Illinois BattleTag pizzle-1873
- Posts
- 444
Re: Frosties with non class skills
Well I snagged a couple of cheap frosties and a cheap wizard spike and what do ya know? It appears in my small sample test of anecdotal evidence that frosties do affect the damage of the frozen orbs thrown from the wizard spike. They were shooting zombies for ~12-14k without the frosties and on average 18-22k with the frosties at 27% cold skill damage. That was just from eyeballing a few dozen on each and switching back and forth between mobs to be sure.
So now, with a high proccing wizard spike and maybe a few more % to hit that 29 or 30%, an amped up high attack speed, you're looking at the new rift-sin/rift-adin quite possibly? Not huge damage of course. But definitely something fun!
Now to find another interesting proc on attack weapon to dual wield or something similar and a high speed build. I was trying this out on my Monk with the attack speed mantra and hundred fists with the attack speed on crit rune to help boost things up. Any other big attack speed builds that could use this?
28-02-2013, 09:51 #3
Re: Frosties with non class skills
I'm just impressed that someone found a reason to even equip them. I've been holding frosties up as the single most disappointing inferno legendary in the game, especially given their proud D2 heritage.--Flux
The Diablo 1, 2, & 3 Wiki! (Under construction.)
24-08-2013, 03:25 #4
Re: Frosties with non class skills
I was intrigued by this post so I did some testing on a barbarian, Hoping that Intelligence would determine the damage, but it appears to be a static amount of cold damage the orb deals. Seems that +critical damage and +cold damage are all the affect the amount it deals. I tried about 1k INT and noticed no difference in either removing strength or adding it.


text:
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make offers for all
5pc Dining Set new ,cheap, moving - $300
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Apr 2 -
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UK breakdown coverGet a quote
– buy online
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The Penrhos Arms provides a warm welcome to new and returning guests alike, an historic Inn with a charming and comfortable interior. Bedrooms are smartly appointed and have very comfortable beds.� A ...More about The Penrhos Arms


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Vail >Food & Dining > Bully Ranch Restaurant
20 Vail Rd, Vail, CO | Directions 8165739.641563 -106.377653
Monday To Sunday From 11:00 AM To 11:00 PM
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8 more of the world's most absurd warning signs and disclaimers.
posted 01/16/2012
Some people say Americans' love of suing the crap out of each other is a bad thing, but if it wasn't for that litigious spirit our warning signs and product disclaimers would be far less entertaining. No matter how ridiculous they may seem, remember that at some point in time, someone did something to make each of these signs necessary.
Updated 12/29/11:
[ Via Reddit, HuffPost Comedy, 11 Points, Passive-Aggressive Notes, LolSnaps, Acidcow, 9Gag, Melinda R., BuzzFeed, Redditor panks15, Redditor Stryc9, Redditor selectix, Redditor Deaddit1985, CollegeHumor, Bizarre Signs, Redditor Biacas, Redditor bl17zkr13g, Digital Photography Now, Joanna Eldridge, Tom Curry, Mark C, Cornelia Rademan, Imgur, FailBlog, Pleated Jeans, Fumaga, EatLiver, imgur, Redditor Noyes_Maybe, Redditor Zawmbie, Signspotting, Nathan K, SafetySign, FailBlog, Redditor HisAndHearse, Barbara L., Redditor erikhun, Redditor spot35, Redditor umlong23, Redditor XavierWoodshed, Redditor helypants, Redditor bargeincharge, Kate O., Boudreau F., Redditor mepper, Oddly Specific, Redditor manberry_sauce, Redditor DeathBat51108, Redditor notaprodigy, Redditor Lawlcat, Redditor bluesboy91 ]
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text:
Premier League news
Chamakh may leave in January
November 6, 2012
By ESPN Staff
Chamakh had expected to play more regularly given the departure of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, but the arrival of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud has confined the Moroccan to the sidelines once more.
The striker says a move to another Premier League team would be his preferred option, but he would not rule out ...
You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.


text:
We live in Hawaii and I take my toddler to the beach once a week. I practically dunk her in Nature's Gate SPF 50 waterproof sunblock and we only stay out in the sun for half an hour to an hour with a big floppy sun hat.
EVERY TIME we go, someone (it is ALWAYS someone without kids with them) always says to me very rudely and condescendingly "is that baby wearing any sunblock?!"
The first time someone did it, I was just shocked that they would be so rude. I said "yes" nervously and got a very rude "well, I guess it's okay then" very condescendingly as if I must be a moron and require their okay on the matter. The second time I said yes, the woman just nodded and walked off in a huff.
Now every time I hear it, I just want to scream "YOU KNOW WHAT?!! I think I have a LOT MORE invested in the safety of my child than YOU do! I don't need a complete stranger to tell me how to parent my child, thanks!"
WHY does it make me so angry? It just seems like these people think they know better than all mothers and have to start some kind of a fight. I realize sunblock is important, but it's really none of their business. All they are going to do is irritate people. It's not going to make a mother snatch up her child and run to the store lickety-split for some sunblock.
*sigh* Thanks for listening to my most recent psychosis. I just needed to get that out before I explode.


text:
Please enter your travel dates.
Business Room, Kitchenette
- 1 king
Karlsruhe hotel with a restaurant
Situated in a rural location, this hotel is close to Karlsruhe Palace, Prince Max Palace, and Basic Rights Square. Local attractions also include Botanical Garden and Marketplace Square.
Hotel Features
In addition to a restaurant, ACHAT Comfort Karlsruhe features a bar/lounge. Other amenities include complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Room Amenities
Televisions come with premium satellite channels. Guestrooms also feature wireless Internet access (surcharge), complimentary newspapers, and direct-dial phones.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
- General
The hotel offers a restaurant. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. This 3-star property offers access to a business center.
Public areas are equipped with complimentary wired high-speed Internet access. This Karlsruhe hotel also offers multilingual staff, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
- Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Billiards
- Pool table
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Bar/lounge
- Restaurant
- Business center
- 24-hour front desk
- Total number of rooms - 83
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Number of floors - 4
- Currency exchange
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Television in lobby
- Elevator/lift
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Garage parking (surcharge)
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Internet
Available in all rooms: Wireless Internet access (surcharge)
Available in some public areas: Free wired high-speed Internet
- Parking
Garage parking (surcharge)
- Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Pay movies
- Complimentary newspaper
- Direct-dial phone
- Private bathroom
- Complimentary toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Satellite TV service
- Wireless Internet access (surcharge)
- Cribs/infant beds (surcharge)
- Dining
Hot/cold buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 6:30 AM and 10 AM.
Jin - This restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisine and serves dinner only.
- Recreation
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Golf - driving range nearby
- Golf - miniature nearby
- Ice skating nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Swimming nearby
- Racquetball/squash nearby
- Tennis nearby
- Running track/path nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Scooter/moped rentals nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Horse riding/rental nearby
- Playground nearby
Policies & Fees
- Check-in
Check-in time starts at 2 PM
- Check-out
Check-out time is 11 AM
- Payment types
Accepted at this hotel: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
- Pets
Pets allowed
- General
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
24-hour check-in
- Fees
- The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Breakfast fee: EUR 10 per person (approximately)
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: EUR 10 per week (rates may vary)
- Self parking fee: EUR 7 per day
- Pet fee: EUR 8 per day


text:
Comments by QuestioningKat
Go to: Simply ... should I read the bible?
Jump to comment 12 by QuestioningKat
Permalink Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:50:45 UTC | #950846
Go to: How atheism helped me deal with cancer
Jump to comment 5 by QuestioningKat
Permalink Tue, 14 Aug 2012 01:44:10 UTC | #950768
Go to: Translating the British
Jump to comment 32 by QuestioningKat
Permalink Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:46:10 UTC | #950736
Go to: Guidance in turning my children to reason
Jump to comment 10 by QuestioningKat
I really don't know what to exactly say, but I think you need marital counseling. Anyone who makes a detailed plan or comes up with an ongoing conversation without consulting their spouse is having serious communication issues. Bringing up information in matters of the heart is useless. You could talk about your valid, reasonable agenda, but you will not be hearing her.
Permalink Tue, 07 Aug 2012 02:22:39 UTC | #950477
Go to: Celebrating Curiosity on Twitter
Jump to comment 27 by QuestioningKat
Richard, at least the Twitter comments seem somewhat intelligent. I woke up at 1:00am to watch the event on the internet. Many comments were at the maturity level of a thirteen-year-old. I wish children could be identified online; this would prevent much judgement on my part.
All I saw was a room full of mostly men in lt. blue t-shirts applauding and progressively becoming more and more enthused as time passed until they broke out in celebration...then one picture shown far away in the room. Oh well, at least I learned about the safe landing. It was difficult to feel anticipation when one foot was still in bed and idiots were online commenting.
Permalink Tue, 07 Aug 2012 01:48:37 UTC | #950476
Go to: Against All Gods
Jump to comment 84 by QuestioningKat
Comment 24 by Mark Ribbands :
Foul Heretic! Aspindog: you will burn forever. As all true believers know, Kevindidit.
Fred, Bob, Kevin...such blatant misogyny. You have all fallen victim to lies perpetuated by men who want to maintain power and control. Everyone knows...It was Sophia! Who else could give BIRTH to this universe? It also says so in the Bible, at least the original version before a bunch of men in dresses removed it.
Permalink Sun, 29 Jul 2012 19:05:17 UTC | #950291
Go to: Why Jehovah's Witnesses won't mourn the Aurora victims
Jump to comment 7 by QuestioningKat
Every now and then, churches and religions drop hints that they are the true path - "Here is the evidence."
Permalink Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:20:36 UTC | #950193
Go to: Atheist wins "The American Bible Challenge"
Jump to comment 5 by QuestioningKat
lol, that is a perfect title. You had me cheering until I read the post. As a former Catholic my knowledge of the Bible is lacking. Yes, Matt would be good at this. Hey Matt if you are reading this, are you up to the challenge.
Personally, I think an unknown atheist would be best. They wouldn't see it coming.
Permalink Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:14:37 UTC | #950192
Go to: Effect of the concept of hell on children
Jump to comment 51 by QuestioningKat
comment 49 has nothing to do with this topic and is completely unsubstantiated. I want u to wake up.
Permalink Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:02:23 UTC | #950100
Go to: Scapegoat for Catholic evils?
Jump to comment 21 by QuestioningKat
comment 20 If you object to "scapegoat" what description would you prefer? fall guy? pawn? You're picking at details here.
We want the entire RCC to collapse, so don't act surprised. Bravo a few priest are going to jail. We'd rather the entire corporation be shut down.
Permalink Thu, 26 Jul 2012 02:02:26 UTC | #950087
Go to: Scapegoat for Catholic evils?
Jump to comment 16 by QuestioningKat
I did a quick check (which may be inaccurate) showing that the average sentence for rape is over nine years while the actual time served is about five years. Chances are this monsignor will serve about three years if he survives the general population.
This issue reminds me of concentration camp guards who went about following the rules without questioning their validity or impact on others. They blindly anesthetized themselves - out-of-sight, out-of-mind. He probably thought someone else would handle it. He does need to serve time for his crime, but what about the priests doing the actual rape? How many have walked freely or died without facing the consequences? The religious have the attitude that God will handle the situation now that they are passed, but this is not good enough. People know this and the Church knows that people are unhappy and expect action.
He is a scapegoat, but certainly not an innocent one.
Permalink Thu, 26 Jul 2012 01:08:23 UTC | #950081
Go to: Effect of the concept of hell on children
Jump to comment 33 by QuestioningKat
comment 26 Fortunately, these night terrors are a thing of the past. Actually much of my healing from traditional Christianity occurred from attending a liberal church in which Satan does not exist.
Your comment helped me recall something that happened during one of these night terrors. I was screaming and praying for help. Nothing seemed to help and then a calmness came over me and I thought - imagine what terrible things that this "entity" went through in order to become like this. I felt great compassion and then said "I love you." Poof the dream ended. (Just a little side psychology --- this entity wasn't something outside of me, it was the troubled part of me expressing itself in my dream.)
Here is my point. Stuff that seems evil is scary to us because we do not understand it. When we don't understand something, we feel out-of-control and anxiety sets in. We feel as if there is nothing we can do about it and we are at the mercy of whatever it is that is supposedly evil. Notice how the characters panic in all the scary movies. Women and girls frequently act dumb and don't know what to do. This is not very skilled behavior.
At times we need to feel fear because it keeps us safe and from danger. Other times, our imagination works overtime. Let's say your sitting at a kitchen table at night when all of a sudden you see a reflection of something that appears to be a distorted face. You have a few options here. Be fearful and let your imagination run wild or find the cause. Maybe it will end up that a phone and a couple of objects on the table created a pattern on the window. Maybe the window has a flaw in it and reflects light in a distorted way. What is necessary is (as someone else put it) is to face your unrealistic fears to find out the cause. One by one you will see that much of what your feared, really has no substance to it anyway. Over time, you will build skills that help you deal with these issues, but rest assured that these skills will come and you will be better able to deal with your fears (the real issue - not Hell or the devil) more skillfully.
Oh by the way, when I became an atheist for the first time at eighteen, my fear of ghosts, spirits, the devil, etc. miraculously disappeared overnight. It was only until I transitioned into agnosticism that some of this returned.
Permalink Wed, 25 Jul 2012 03:39:36 UTC | #950015
Go to: Benefits for young atheists?
Jump to comment 4 by QuestioningKat
My guess is that your school has taught you that colleges are looking for good "moral" students that " are involved in a religious youth group, attends mass regularly, volunteers for the church by means of Vacation Bible School, etc." Are you looking at Catholic universities? 15 is still young. Are you going to be a sophomore? It sounds like you have two years until college, correct?
Here is what I told my nephew. Do not go to a Catholic university. There are plenty of great state and private colleges. They don't want to know if you're a good moral kid, but how involved you are in stuff outside of school. Maybe you volunteer at a local animal shelter. Maybe you are involved with some science Olympics or belong to a particular club or young entrepreneurs. I suggest taking on interests that have NO RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION.
I went to college back in the early eighties and no where do I recall any information that was church related. None. I think you're getting biased advice.
Permalink Tue, 24 Jul 2012 03:25:39 UTC | #949965
Go to: Effect of the concept of hell on children
Jump to comment 21 by QuestioningKat
I was raised Catholic and I know exactly what you are going through. First of all --- there is no devil. Yep that's right. Satan does not exist. Everything good or bad that is going to happen to you will happen during this lifetime, not after death.
Catholics have Sunday School? Say what?
Start to watch people. Notice how bad choices in behavior lead to unrest, problems, strife, challenging relationships with other people? Notice what is considered "evil" by other people. Usually "evil" ends up being mentally ill, extremely stressful events during childhood, selfish behavior, and bad choices among other things. People blame the devil because it takes them off the hook for taking responsibility for their actions. Can you tell me one example of something "evil" that cannot be traced back to one of these causes? I'd be interested if you can come up with one.
Also, Where is Hell? In the Bible, it is stated as Heaven is above, so is Hell below. Literally taken, that means Hell is deep beneath the surface of the earth. OK, your Catholic, so maybe Hell is in another realm. Have you ever had surgery? Maybe had your wisdom teeth taken out....? Where did you go during the anesthesia? If doctors can mess with your brain or memory or maybe remove a section of your brain, you will never regain that ability. If this were to happen, now who are you?
There was a time when I was clinically depressed and had the most terrifying night terrors (worse than nightmares.) Without going into detail, I thought I was "hellbound." Year later I started to notice that I would only get these night terrors when I was under extreme stress and depressed. I certainly dreamed Hellish stuff, but it was all the creation of my mind in an unhealthy state. Strangely, after medication and therapy, I didn't have these dreams. Scientifically reasonable methods, instead of religious beliefs brought about healing.
Start keeping track of what people think is caused by Satan. Then, go about finding the actual cause.
Permalink Tue, 24 Jul 2012 03:05:49 UTC | #949962
Go to: Religious Olympics
Jump to comment 30 by QuestioningKat
Amish buggy racing on the streets of London
Spoon bending contests
Possible headlines as a result:
Various events were cancelled today due to mercury being squared mars.
Protest erupt when Pagans celebrate a fertility ritual for the new moon.
Scandal sets in when priests request to meet the "ball boys" after the challenge.
Women's swim team is spat upon and taunted by Hasidic Jews for immodest dress. Women are now required to swim in loose fitted flannel pajamas.
Hasidic Jews awarded best Jheri curls upsetting west African witch hunters.
Permalink Tue, 24 Jul 2012 02:30:59 UTC | #949958
Go to: Religious Olympics
Jump to comment 27 by QuestioningKat
Cross carrying marathon - Cycle, swim, and run carrying your life sized wooden cross. Occasionally, good samaratin helpers are allowed to help carry your cross for a specified distance.
Bring out the lions, The Rome Coliseum meets Big Ben. A marathon out and about London complete with lions trailing behind runners egged on by charioteers with whips.
Seek and ye shall find. Teams set out searching London for proof of their prophet... only to return with photographs of reflections, the Virgin Mary in toast and Jesus on a toilet seat stain.
Baptism Bob. The US team representing Tennessee and Mississippi vs. other countries...well, vs. themselves to see how many times they can bob up and down in water within two minutes.
Karma car push - Teams need to push a car up a hillside to a winning line. Losers not finishing first need to continue over and over again (reinCARnation) until they meet or exceed the winning team's time.
Rat race - Various teams confined to their designated temples need to attract the most rats to win.
detox and liver cleanse marathon challenge. Individuals fast according to their own religious or spiritual beliefs. The person who lives the longest before dying wins.
Closing ceremony ideas anyone?
Permalink Tue, 24 Jul 2012 01:55:59 UTC | #949955
Go to: Meme Theory, Zahavi's Handicap, and the Baldwin Effect
Jump to comment 17 by QuestioningKat
To better clarify myself. Ideas are not separate "entities" floating around. Otherwise, I may as well go back to church. Ideas are dependent upon functions of the brain, but the idea cannot be manipulated separately by matter like a chisel to a rock. (That's what I meant by it doesn't interact with matter or it being abstract. It's the result of brain functions.) My goodness, this is difficult to explain.
I agree that it isn't a dichotomy. Was it my poorly communicated first line that led you to believe this? Until an idea is acted upon by manipulating objects in the environment, the idea still remains in the brain as a thought - in abstract form. (as opposed to concrete as a physical object.) By sharing this thought through communication it is replicated. I know you're face palming right now. I'm not sure there is a literal replication since ideas cannot make copies of itself. Ideas are not themselves material.
I'd continue but somehow I think we are on different pages speaking different languages. Interesting ideas though.
Permalink Sun, 22 Jul 2012 20:14:59 UTC | #949859
Go to: Meme Theory, Zahavi's Handicap, and the Baldwin Effect
Jump to comment 15 by QuestioningKat
But literalist is what the meme theory has to be if it interacts with matter at all.
Does it interact with matter...at all?
That may be so, but the meme idea posits that something replicates. Not that it endures, or has a beginning, middle, or end, or that it is inherited, or that it is X by Y by Z dimensions. The basic litmus test is; At whatever size, does it, when given the needed materials, make copies of itself spontaneously? This is necessary for it to give rise to natural selection.
Ideas do not make copies spontaneously, human interaction is necessary.
If an idea does not have any tangible, literal substance and exists purely in an abstract state, it can never literally copy itself. Any transfer from one person to another is still in this abstract form which is communicated from one person to another. It can be communicated through any of our senses, intellect, emotions.... We can show a physical object and people can literally copy this, yet the underlying concept of the object is what is being examined. This process is not literal and searching for direct physical evidence of one idea replicating seems impossible. We can examine the results of physical manifestation, but not the actual action/idea.
Permalink Sat, 21 Jul 2012 21:51:59 UTC | #949777
Go to: Conspiracies taking over where religion left off
Jump to comment 23 by QuestioningKat
Comment 22 by Bipedal Primate :
I'm not particularly fond of G. K. Chesterton's "When people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing -- they believe in anything.", because it's simply an appeal to "belief in belief", but it's still probably true, though.
But of all dumb replacements for religion the worst one is not a conspiracy theory, but simply political correctness. Also known as 'The Matrix", for those who took some time to analyze the film by the same name. That one is the true mind killer. The consensus which thinks for you. And if people aren't simply dumb, they're either hysterical or dogmatic. There's no pill against that.
...and I assume you are aware of the group of people who think this world is actually the Matrix? Rather than the movie's view of us being slaves, we are in a dream in which we think this world is actually real. In "reality" we are One with God and have simply forgotten this. We live lives of strife and lack because we feel that God is somewhere out there and not within. This is a New Age view, but all religions have this concept of another realm in one form or another.
Permalink Sat, 21 Jul 2012 20:59:49 UTC | #949772
Go to: Meme Theory, Zahavi's Handicap, and the Baldwin Effect
Jump to comment 11 by QuestioningKat
I'm saying that what I think gets memetically passed on is not the idea itself, but the idea of the idea.
When something finally reaches the masses, it is usually several generations lost or watered down. Usually one aspect is latched onto and continues because it fulfills a wanted need for society.
Permalink Sat, 21 Jul 2012 15:17:30 UTC | #949759
Go to: Conspiracies taking over where religion left off
Jump to comment 21 by QuestioningKat
SC, I thought a little more about this, and I think that much of what you are seeing is what might be called --- expertitis or a know-it-all person. People without a true knowledge base that stand up in front of a group need to have something to say. Frequently, they make up a story and convince themselves that it is true. They may even adopt or adapt an existing story. Doing this is much easier that studying four to eight years of a subject or many subjects and then continuing to educate themselves. Reading and learning one book is easier than studying an entire library. They actually like being in a position of authority, enjoy the power and acknowledgement that they get from others. It's an easy path compared to others that require study. As a result certain "crazy" ideas are perpetuated because there is always and audience.
Permalink Sat, 21 Jul 2012 15:08:40 UTC | #949758
Go to: Conspiracies taking over where religion left off
Jump to comment 14 by QuestioningKat
One of the aspects of new age thinking is that of 'hidden knowledge', for example such stuff as 'The Secret'.
There's a clever marketing psychology behind all this, and its how some make millions from all the new age material.
I understand this point. You are correct that there is a marketing technique going on here. Conspiracy? Not convinced yet. Actually, I am quite familiar with the actual (not watered down New Age view of) the "Law of Attraction" and it is actually hard work and nearly impossible to achieve completely. If I went into the details of what this concept actually entails, even a skeptic wouldn't want to do all the work required. Essentially your entire life - relationships, mindset, education, personal psychology, health, well-being, ability to be proactive and take action, your ability to appropriately respond to a situation, etc. etc. needs to be in tip top shape. The actual view is about taking total responsibility for yourself. But then there is a catch; they throw in woo stating that what you put out into the world is drawn to you. Well, yeah after all that work, something is bound to happen.
The actual big secret is that you are One with God (some actually use the statement that "I am God.") but you simply have forgotten who you really are. So this God who is supposedly helping you is really yourself in alignment with Divine principles that govern the Universe. AKA - your doing what is within the realm of possibilities and what is socially acceptable, so cause and effect come into play. When something does happens, then you thank your lucky stars that you did your spiritual work. (aka -did the effort and found the right people to help out.) It all goes back to that "ghost in the machine" idea except it is called Consciousness.
The "Law of Attraction" is actually a New Thought belief adopted by the New Agers. They packaged the video as the "secret" that successful people have known throughout the ages as an attempt to attract people to "the special elixir." People seem to be drawn to quick fixes, diet pills, and shortcuts. "How did you lose so much weight? What's your secret." They are drawn to the quick,lazy approaches that offer the "five steps to XX" or "keys to better XX."
Throughout all such examples, the aspect of the phenomena being 'hidden' from sceptics is undoubtedly conspiratorial.
Actually they view themselves as being at a spiritually higher level than others. They think they have knowledge that you do not. All religions do this, this is why you need to FIND God or have God revealed to you. Eventually you will "get it." Obviously, it isn't your time and they will try to be non-judgmental and patient with you because you are a newbie and that is the spiritually evolved thing to do.
I actually personally exposed a conspiracy myth myself ...What astonished me was the sheer number of people who refused to believe this even when shown the evidence.
This happens all the time and is not unique to New Age. I recently watched a video about a product that caused a very large group of people to protest the manufacturer because it supposedly said something "inappropriate." The entire group claimed that it said something in particular, but when I listened several times to the sound (before I even read what the group considered offensive,) It clearly said what the manufacturer stated. The manufacturer provided a written statement, yet they heard it incorrectly. It's like the time Dan Dennett or maybe Sam Harris played a garbled recording, then told people what to hear and you could actually hear "sweet Satan..." People tend to fill in the gaps.
Perhaps conspiracy is a bit of a jump for me. I still don't see it as a conspiracy, but then again I bet I have a different definition of New Age.
Permalink Sat, 21 Jul 2012 03:10:15 UTC | #949712
Go to: Meme Theory, Zahavi's Handicap, and the Baldwin Effect
Jump to comment 9 by QuestioningKat
Hey Z, I want to start off by saying that I appreciate the effort you took to post this topic. I realize how much effort it takes. Now that you are no longer on the main page, your ideas have less of a chance of being seen and surviving for much longer. ;)
Admittedly, I am probably one of the least scientifically literate people here, but I have lots of experience working with ideas, design and artwork, so I will let you determine if my view has any worth.
Basically, I think you are overlooking the various levels of ideas from the initial creation or conception to the point when it becomes a staple or tradition in society.
Working on an individual creative act certainly is aligned with natural selection (maybe artificial selection too), but the process happens at lightning speed. Ideas are connected with other ideas, edited, changed, pondered...until a final decision or direction is made. One large creative effort such as writing a book can viewed as an analogy to Evolution. Within this microcosm, a mini Evolution is taking place within the creative work and within the ideas and thought processes of the "creator."
When you have so many mutations in generation one, that suggests we are not dealing with a replicator at all. We have something closer to the X to Y to Z to A model.
Yes, that is correct. It goes from x to y to z in an individual creative endeavor. You're looking too closely at only one aspect of the creative process. I'll continue.
You think it doesn't look right, so you edit it and write an improvement. You reread it, edit it, and so on. At what point can we say that there are distinct replicator generations between memes?
Certainly not at this point. Again you are looking at one individual going through an entire "evolution" for their creative endeavor. A person that designs a hat needs to experiment with materials, structure, sizing, different designs, textures, etc. This is confined to one person or a unit focusing on one particular project. Notice how changes are happening quickly? If the craftsman is talented chances are he is visualizing the options inside of his head and changing his internal visualizations by the seconds. He sees his hat as wide brimmed, then changes it to purple, now brown, felt is then visualized then changed to leather.
Now let's start to zoom out from the fast paced microcosm to a larger, slower world view. As we move outward, the speed that an idea hits the masses is dependent upon communication and people promoting the idea. The microcosm flourishes with change, adaptation, "the New", the innovative at lightning speed. At the opposite end are the staples and traditions. It maintains its presence by stability, the familiar, the usual. Staples are the little black dress, or a pair of jeans. (Notice that they have slightly changed over the years. If they did not, they would have died out as a trend.) As products or physically concrete objects are shown to others, the idea behind the object, what what it intangibly represents (or even the physical form) is acknowledged. Some of these ideas then move towards mini trends. They take off because they are valued in some way by other people. At this point, the idea, may be tweaked by someone else (needing less energy and thought compared to the initial idea.) As more people are exposed, then the idea can move towards being a full trend. The changing or evolving of the idea slows down but still has the possibility of changing or branching off if the idea reaches an "innovator" If the idea doesn't reach an "innovator" or the innovator hesitates to act, the trend continues as communication brings the idea to the masses. Eventually, some people (who are certainly not as creative as the "innovators" decide that they like this idea so much because of the social benefits that they personalize it and pass it along to close friends, families, or associates. They incorporate it into their life, but they do not change it.
When an idea comes to this point, it either continues to shift slightly and continue on by mutating into different ideas or it becomes stagnant. If it becomes stagnant, things get ugly if the idea becomes outmoded.
At this point I need to stop because it was a busy week and hopefully I made sense. Your post is long and I need to take a look at the rest of it before commenting. So far, I think that you are viewing ideas or memes with a microscope and need to step back and view the bigger picture of trends and macrotrends along with traditions. The fortunate thing about macrotrends and traditions is that an equal and opposite effect usually occurs in response to the prevailing idea or ideology. We may fear the religious meme, but counterculture has been kicking in.
Permalink Sat, 21 Jul 2012 01:41:26 UTC | #949704
Go to: Atheism: the cheapest alternative?
Jump to comment 4 by QuestioningKat
Yes, it is called New Tithing. You tithe any cause, organization, or group of your choice. If you are unable to afford "tithing" then you skip giving. If you can afford the extra money to donate to a favorite charity, art organization, nature conservancy, etc. then you do it. It's called "People Helping People" secular ministry.
Permalink Fri, 20 Jul 2012 23:38:04 UTC | #949691
Go to: Conspiracies taking over where religion left off
Jump to comment 9 by QuestioningKat
I hear where you're coming from, however new age stuff and conspiracies are really different subjects. There is some overlap, but someone involved in New Age may not be into conspiracies while a Christian could have an elaborate view about some government conspiracy. A have also met some atheists that think that religion was a mass conspiracy by a select few to control the masses. (yeah yeah yeah - no comments needed about this.)
New Age is a term that is applied with a broad brush for many situations and beliefs. Although it is diverse, I disagree that New Age beliefs cannot be properly challenged. I attended a New Thought church which is considered a form of New Age and now that I have challenged the beliefs, I realize many of their flaws just need some help to be unraveled.
I have found that people who are into UFO and other conspiracies tend to be young or a bit "off" in some way. New Agers on the other hand, are a much wider audience. If you would like to focus in on a particular aspect of New Age, I can give you some ideas. If you want to continue discussing people who are into conspiracy theories...I'm not too worried about them in general. Most people, religious or not, think that they are nuts.
Permalink Fri, 20 Jul 2012 23:31:20 UTC | #949688
Go to: Anti-Dawkins legislation
Jump to comment 10 by QuestioningKat
You know that you've arrived when a difficult to distinguish satire is made about you and it comes from a country and state that you do not live in.
Permalink Fri, 20 Jul 2012 22:34:03 UTC | #949681
Go to: 2012 Project Reason Video Contest
Jump to comment 10 by QuestioningKat
Yes, Johnditkis, There is no secret; it is obvious that more than one person was used, but is that in the rules.? It could have been animated by one person, narrated by another, written by another... Realistically a minimum of two or four people. I have actually seen elaborate animations (no sound) created by one person. It could even be a dozen and a half people, but I don't see the credits. "perfect faith" needed one person to drive the car, a second person to film, a third skateboarder. Watch the winner from last year. Do you think more than one person was involved in the creation of this video? The number of people involved is irrelevant.
Overall, the messages of these entries all need a bit of tweaking. Sample, is the goal or does the rules actually state that it needs to teach? If this is the case, then I may need to review a couple of videos before voting.
Comment 8 by johnditkis :
You're totally right Questioning Kat. But here's the secret: Conflict was clearly the only one created by a team of professionals. They even got a real actor for the voice over. I think I'm still going for the driving one.
Permalink Thu, 19 Jul 2012 12:01:46 UTC | #949559
Go to: living in the watchtower
Jump to comment 10 by QuestioningKat
zengardener offered up good common sense advice. Blunt and to the point.
People who are in subordinate positions are not taken seriously because it challenges the person in charged. You can only be taken seriously when you are an outsider standing on your own principles.
Do everything you can to take steps to move.
Permalink Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:22:44 UTC | #949557
Go to: 2012 Project Reason Video Contest
Jump to comment 7 by QuestioningKat
Another one!
Perfect faith - Would be perfect for a commercial. I like everything except for the "#driveyourself" Get rid of it and the video holds together without the commentary using a poor choice in type. This choice brought the quality of the video down. Without the wording, non-English speaking individuals still get it and it opens the video up for discussion and debate.
Frankly, this video speaks better to the average person-- much more so than "Conflict" which can be considered esoteric in some of its wording. Perfect faith is "saleable."
I don't know if the contest will use the videos for a particular purpose. If it is being used for a commercial or will be shown at local movie theaters as a clip before the feature film, this would be ideal without the bad lettering and limiting commentary.
So my winner now is......... "Conflict" "Perfect faith" vs. "conflict" it's comparing apples to oranges. "Conflict (although it is not child friendly) is professionally done and worth the $10,000 prize money. Well done! "Perfect faith" revealed itself as a second rate video by making a novice choice. Set the bar high by awarding the most professionally done and more people with creative skills will take notice. Maybe next year this contest should be forwarded to film/art schools and the quality will get even better especially if they know about the $10K winnings.
Permalink Thu, 19 Jul 2012 01:28:30 UTC | #949539
Go to: 2012 Project Reason Video Contest
Jump to comment 6 by QuestioningKat
Ghost Makers - Cute but the point is not clearly defined - a half baked idea.
Secularism - I watched the video and then forgot about it. Haven't we see this before? This idea of type floating out in the galaxy somewhere is getting old.
Genesis - Two-thirds of the time was illustrating the visuals and one-third making the point. A good effort otherwise.
Dogmatism - I think a better quote could have been selected for Washington. We've seen this idea before.
Conflict -The most professional looking video and I would add aesthetically pleasing is CONFLICT. Turn off the sound and just watch it. Excellent animation! You could actually see this one in a movie theater. Look away and replay this video and the music and narrator are spot on!!
A minor criticism - I think the wording needs tweaked in a few places so it is better comprehended within the 1:30 time. For instance, "Evolving system in unison with civilization" needs to be stated in a more universal way so that a wider group of age ranges and people of various background can get what this means.
I'm a bit mixed about the wording "have to choose sides" "fight can never be won", and "choose sides" Yes this video is about conflict and this seems like a call to war with narration by kindly English gentleman who could easily make a living narrating children's stories. It is clear that this video takes the view of rationality and reason, so is there really anything to choose?
I think I would prefer the first statement "We have to choose sides." actually say "We may have unknowlingly chosen our side." Not quite sure about this though. It also seems to need a brief line about facing our own misconceptions brought to light by reason. (??)
I think there needs to be a second version in which it is simplified down to the level of an eleven-year old.
So yes, despite my criticism, this is by far the best video.
Permalink Thu, 19 Jul 2012 01:00:51 UTC | #949538


text:
Monthly Commentary
Q&A: Searching for Yield Across Global
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In this Q&A, Portfolio Manager Joyce Gordon discusses how she is approaching investing in today's markets.
World markets review (PDF)
Each month, our World markets review provides a concise and timely summary of key developments in the financial markets of the world's major regions.
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text:
Make quick cash for the holidaysFARGO - With gifts, stocking stuffers, decorations and traveling costs, Christmas expenses add up fast. But with a little time and a bit of effort you can make some extra cash instead of draining your savings account.
By: Jasmine Maki, SheSays contributor , INFORUM
FARGO - With gifts, stocking stuffers, decorations and traveling costs, Christmas expenses add up fast. But with a little time and a bit of effort you can make some extra cash instead of draining your savings account.
Several resale stores in the Fargo-Moorhead area will buy your gently used clothes and give you cash on the spot.
Clean out your closet
If you typically shop at stores such as Express, Buckle, Victoria's Secret, Hollister or other boutique stores, you will most likely have good luck selling your gently used items to Plato's Closet, 2551 45th St. S. in Fargo.
Lori Eddy, manager at Plato's Closet, said they pay 30 to 40 percent of the price at which they intend to resale the clothing, accessories, bags and shoes.
The average buy takes about 20 minutes and results in $30 to $40. But Eddy said each buy varies widely depending on the brands, styles and conditions of the items, as well as quantity.
"I've given someone $400 before, but that's not typical," she said. "We can't buy everything that comes in, but we will buy anything we feel we can sell."
Plato's Closet buys all seasons year-round and accepts men's and women's clothes, shoes, accessories and even some best-selling books.
Instead of taking the cash, you can also trade for other items in the store and get them tax free.
If you mostly shop at Gap, Chicos, the Loft or White House Black Market, you'll probably have better luck selling your gently used items to Clothes Mentor just a few doors down from Plato's Closet.
Clothes Mentor accepts women's clothing sizes 0 to 26, maternity wear, shoes, accessories and designer perfumes. They look for current styles that are in great condition with no stains, rips, tears or missing buttons.
Sell your services
If you have a little extra time and patience, you might want to consider taking on an extra child or pet for day or two.
Take a look at a classified ads or visit websites like Care.com and Sittercity.com, which allow people in need of babysitters or petsitters to post listings and quickly get in contact with people willing to do the job.
Job listings vary from one-night to full weekends, to full-time nannies. Pay can range from $5 to $25 per hour, but typically falls in the $7 to $12 per hour range.
Clear off a bookshelf
Sarah Roozen, a graduate student at Minnesota State University Moorhead, said she's been selling books on Amazon for three years.
It's as easy as a few clicks of the mouse, she said.
"Once you log in to your Amazon account, you search for the book you want to sell, and click the 'sell yours here' button."
Making anywhere from $5 to $250, Roozen said she averages about $80 per book.
"I always seem to have more luck selling books during July, August and September and December and January because those are the times that people are looking for good deals on textbooks," she said.
Roozen said the only drawback about selling books online versus the campus bookstore is that you don't get your money instantly.
For first time sellers, it takes about two weeks for the money to transfer to your account. For regular sellers, it takes about seven to 10 business days.
Sell your time, health
If you need a bigger chunk of change, you might want to consider participating in a medical study at PRACS in Fargo.
PRACS conducts research for all aspects of the drug, dermatology and cosmetics industries through both inpatient and outpatient studies. The studies are conducted to look at a drug's reaction and effectiveness in healthy individuals, and each requires different types of tests to be done including blood tests, urine tests and electrocardiograms.
The length of the studies can range from a few days to a few weeks or months, but many participants say the time spent is well worth it.
Robert Nyhlen of Moorhead has been participating in studies for three years, starting with studies that paid about $500 and working up to longer studies that paid up to $4,600.
"The studies have been a lifesaver for our family," he said. "We've been able to replace our car with cash, and it's allowed my wife to stay home with the new baby and not worry about bills."
Neo Nape of Fargo is a little newer to the "system." He's participated in one PRACS study that lasted two weekends.
Nape said the study was not that difficult but very structured and organized.
"If you want to make quick cash and are healthy, I would say it is worth it," Nape said.
For those who don't want to commit to the longer hours of a PRACS study, donating plasma may be the answer. A few hours' time can earn donors from $20 to $55 per visit.
Those interested in donating plasma can contact Talecris Plasma Resources in Moorhead, or BioLife Plasma Services in Fargo and Moorhead.
Sell your creativity
Those who love making hand-made gifts, clothes, accessories and home décor can start selling their creativity.
Websites like Etsy, Folksy and iCraft make it easy to sell hand-made items online.
Etsy, one of the more popular sites, includes almost everything – accessories, glass work, greeting cards, pillows, photography and much more.
The site also includes collected vintage items that were made at least 20 years ago.
Ashley Morken, owner of Unglued at 408 Broadway in Fargo (pictured in 2011 at right), said if you're interested in selling on Etsy, go to the site and get a feel for what it looks like.
"There's a 'sell' button, and it kind of takes you through how to start," she said. "We usually recommend that you have five to 10 items when you open your Etsy shop."
Sellers can either sell pre-made items or made-to-order, but Morken recommends having your items pre-made.
"One of the biggest things is having really good photography of your work," said Morken, who this fall opened Unglued, a shop that sells hand-made items and offers crafting workshops. "The work is the focus, not the model or the book."
She recommends using or at least considering the pricing formulas on Etsy.
"One of the trickiest things is pricing," she said. "Consider time, supplies and profit. You should be paying yourself to make the items or you're going to start hating it."
After photographing and pricing your items, promote them by sending emails to family and friends and sharing the links on Facebook.


text:
|This article does not cite its references or sources. You can help WikiFur by adding references.
For specifics, check the edit history and talk page. Consult the Furry Book of Style for editing help.
|This article needs copyediting (for correct spelling, grammar, usage, etc.)
For specifics, check the edit history and talk page. Consult the Furry Book of Style for editing help.
Syber (born February, 1989) is a fursuiter, artist, and costume-builder living in Tampa, Florida, U.S.A. She has been interested in anthropomorphics since 1999, unofficially. Syber begain drawing and creating anthropomorphic characters as a pass-time, and became publicly active in the furry fandom early in 2007.
Syber chose the name "Syber" when she was nine years of age. This was the name of her character at the time; a dragon/wolf hybrid.
Starting in the latter part of 2009, Syber began hobby fursuit building, and in 2011 created Made Fur You (a professional costuming company)
Syber dated Balto_woof Late 2008-early 2012 on good terms.
March 2012 Syber started dating DominoWuff an inverse dalmatian. Black with white spots. They live happily together now.
[edit] Character /Fursuit
Syber is a female Coydog, an Australian Shepherd/Coyote hybrid. She could also be considered a sparkledog due to her bright coloring. Her personality could be described as perky. She loves offroading, attention, and Monster Energy drinks. She commissions many versions of her character by different fursuit makers. This is like getting artwork in a bigger scale. There are currently 6 made.
- Java Costumes 2010
- Mango Island Creations 2010
- SokiTwopaw 2011
- Don't Hug Cacti 2011
- Made Fur You 2011
- Mixed Candy 2012
[edit] Conventions attended
- Further Confusion 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
- Furry Fiesta 2010, 2011
- Califur 4, 5, 6
- Anthrocon 2009, 2010, 2011
- RainFurrest 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
- Furry Weekend Atlanta 2012
Syber was a guest of honor at Rocky Mountain Fur Con 2012.[1]
[edit] References
- ↑ http://www.rockymountainfurcon.org/about-us.html Retrieved August 4, 2013.


text:
The band shot a series of behind the scenes and in-studio videos documenting the recording process. Today the third episode in the series has been released. This video takes a closer looks at Phil's performance and lyrics on the album.Read More
Beyond the Shore
Lexington, KY's Beyond the Shore have completed an extended tour that began in February. The band has spent the last two months driving across the US twice for over 60 total shows.Read More
Slough Feg
SLOUGH FEG recently released their latest album 'Digital Resistance' in February through Metal Blade Records. Now they have announced the first batch of European dates.Read More
The Black Dahlia Murder
The Black Dahlia Murder are set to release their brand new DVD next month! 'Fool 'Em All' is the band's second DVD and follows up their immensely popular 'Majesty' DVD.Read More
Today Whitechapel are unleashing another crushing track from the new album. Artist Direct is hosting an exclusive stream of the lyric video for the album's title track 'Our Endless War'.Read More
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Sahg stream "Firechild" on lastrit.es
- February 12th, 2014 – "Delusions of Grandeur" out next...Read More
Don Jamieson to release "Hell Bent for Laughter" next month!
- February 11th, 2014 – Don Jamieson is set to release his second album...Read More
GWAR Continues Global Domination; Announces Australian Headline Dates
- February 11th, 2014 – Crushing Line-Up Will Feature's...Read More
Behemoth featured on the cover of Decibel Magazine
- February 10th, 2014 – Behemoth have returned with "The...Read More
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME release short video in anticipation of upcoming headlining tour
- February 7th, 2014 – Between the Buried and Me (BTBAM) will be...Read More
DOWNFALL OF GAIA announce new drummer!
- February 7th, 2014 – DOWNFALL OF GAIA is happy to have found a new...Read More
The Ocean Debut "Pelagial World Tour" Video Blog Part 1
- February 7th, 2014 – The Ocean have posted a brand new tour...Read More
Sarke stream "Jodau Aura" from "Aruagint" on LastRit.es!
- February 6th, 2014 – Metal Blade Records recently announced their new...Read More


text:
"(Ferrets) have no fear," said Blankita's shelter owner Lisa Watson of Fallon. "They don't understand the difference between a 2-foot drop or a 20-foot drop. … (Blankita) was tender and sore for a while, but she pulled through. They bounce back fairly good."
Just as kids can get wound up if they're stuck in the house too long on a winter's day, so can ferrets, Watson said. In fact, owning a ferret is kind of like having a curious toddler who will wander about and not realize the dangers around them. Both require proper supervision to keep them from harm's way.
Watson runs a shelter in which 46 ferrets currently reside, most of which have been surrendered because owners have lost their homes to foreclosure or were confiscated at the California border, where the animals are illegal.
Other owners, Watson said, just don't know what they're getting into when they choose a ferret as a pet.
"It's frustrating," Watson said. "Pet stores will sell them to anyone. Thank goodness for the Internet. There is a network internationally of ferret shelters and ferret owners and we talk to each other. For example, I didn't know you can't feed them a granola bar. They like them, but they're not good for them."
Watson didn't know six years ago what kind of work would go into taking care of even one ferret. Her 17-year-old daughter back then was troubled, she said, and her therapist recommended that she have something to get out of bed for every day. In considering pets, many animals, such as dogs and cats were automatically crossed off the list.
"We'd had hamsters and you can ignore them for a week," Watson said. "So we bounced around the idea of a ferret. We hadn't had a ferret, so how hard can it be?"
That's when they acquired Kodo the ferret, who demanded constant love and care and he jump-started Watson's daughter on her path to emotional healing. And within a few weeks, Watson was so pleased with Kodo that she ended up welcoming more ferrets into her home, even without having officially set up her shelter yet. But it was their personality that attracted her to the animal.
"They're like 2-year-olds," Watson said. "This I didn't completely realize when I first got one. … They get into trouble. That's their cuteness."
Since then, she's learned more than a thing or two about caring for ferrets. She's currently in need of bales of hay to keep them occupied because she makes sure they have their playtime early in the morning or late in the evening. Watson also has some volunteers to help her out as needed.
"I feed them, let them out to play, then I go about my day," she said.
When she goes to work, they stay inside in a room she's set up for them. They stay there for most of the day, which is why their playtime is so important.
"A ferret needs to be out of the cage between two and three hours a day," she said. "They get very bored. They're ranked with primates and dolphins. They can get destructive, but not vicious. They have to be investigating and you have to change their toys. I buy some from garage sales, the stuffed, teasing toys. … They love the McDonald's little stuffies."
When they are outside, they have to remain in enclosed areas, according to Watson. Otherwise, predators, such as hawks, will make them their prey. Even around the tall bales of hay, where some of her ferrets like Blankita will become adventurous and climb to the top, she keeps a constant eye on them so they don't drop to the ground again.
When they do remain in cages, however, Watson advises that pet owners be smart about their selection.
"The ones you usually see at pet stores, with the baby ferrets, they'll tell you, 'Here, buy this cage, that's a good cage for a few months while you potty train,' " Watson said. "It's just one level and maybe it's good for hamster, but ferrets need a lot more space than most cages provide."
She added there are safety issues involved with certain cage specifications. If the cage has a wire bottom to make it easier for potty-training, a ferret's toes can get caught or their feet can get deformed because they're not on an even surface. She also recommended small hammocks.
"I usually see three or four ferrets in a hammock," she said. "Some of them hate getting into a cage."
Watson said being a ferret owner has been a learning experience for her as she's now dealt with many diseases, vet visits and a variety of concerns. But she loves each one of her pets for their own personalities. She holds fundraisers to keep her shelter going and though she's not a nonprofit yet, she hopes to be in the future, and the ferrets provide the motivation she needs to keep at it..
"Some days I wake up and when I pick them up, they give me that 'Give me love' look," she said.


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A successful job search often demands extensive time and preparation. At Colorado Technical University, our career services team provides personalized
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Welcome to Computer Information Systems
Three Advanced Certitfication-Oriented System Administration Classes
- Microsoft Exchange Server Administration CIS 213 (Microsoft exam 70-341, Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013)
- Citrix XenApp Administration CIS 225 (Citrix Certified Administrator exam for XenApp)
- SQL Server Database Administration CIS 232 (Microsoft exam 70-462, Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases)
See "Computer Science" and "Computer Network Engineering & Electronics" for additional computer courses.
CIS Program Description
Computer Information Systems (CIS) provides students with a broad background in the
application of computers to the emerging needs of business and industry. CIS courses
prepare students for entry-level positions in computer programming, systems analysis,
computer operations and network management, information systems management, and sales
and technical information positions.
Santa Barbara City College's CIS Department offers comprehensive training in these program areas:
An occupational A.S. Degree, with a strong emphasis in both computer systems and business studies.
An occupational A.S. Degree, with a strong emphasis in system administration.
A transfer curriculum in preparation for a 4-year program in Management Information Systems (MIS) or CIS.
A Certificate program which provides marketable skills in PC hardware and software support, network management and systems administration.
A Certificate program which provides marketable skills in database programming and applications development.
A series of Skills Competency Awards in Help Desk and Desktop Support.
A Skills Competency Award in Web Server Administration.
A Skills Competency Award in Technical Writing.
A Skills Competency Award in Microsoft Office Development.
A Skills Competency Award in Microsoft Windows System Administration and Security.
A Skills Competency Award in Microsoft SQL Server Database Administration.
A Skills Competency Award in Information Technology Management.
A Skills Competency Award in Virtualization System Administration.
A Skills Competency Award in Mobile Device Administration.
A Skills Competency Award in Access SQL Professional
The CIS Department also provides introductory and microcomputer courses (electives) for students in programs campus-wide.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
A.S. Degree:Computer Information Systems
- Describe the role of and explain the value of operating systems, databases, programming and project management in IT.
- Participate on an IT project team as a programmer, database designer, or system administrator.
A.S. Degree: Computer Information Systems -Emphasis in System Administration
- Describe the role of and explains the value of operating systems, network technologies, and system administration In IT.
- Participate on an IT team at multiple levels, from help desk specialist, to system administrator, to project leader on a system Implementation.
- Select and implement appropriate operating system and network technologies for an organization or business enterprise.
Database Programming and Applications Development Certificate
- Create programs that reflect the use of modular design and incorporate event-driven and object-oriented approaches.
- Use database management systems to retrieve discrete and aggregate data from databases and to insert, update and delete discrete data.
- Create and implement well-designed databases to reflect enterprise needs.
- Develop business applications using well-structured programs, normalized databases and a multi-tier architecture.
PC Support Network Management Certificate
- Design, select and implement essential software, hardware and networking components to satisfy user needs in a business environment.
- Install and administer desktop and server operating systems.
- Communicate effectively with users to diagnose and resolve computer-related problems.
Department Offices
Division: Business Department
Chair: Esther Frankel (BC-216, ext. 2224)
Dean: Diane Hollems
Faculty and Offices
Esther Frankel (BC-216, ext. 2224)


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Hi i am new to the form. Someone ma have asked this Question before but i couldn't find the ans.. so here I am asking again... Sorry..
I have an 8Gb iPhone which has been activated with AT&T... recently i moved to Canada.. the iPhone has v1.0. & modem firmware - 03.14.08_G ....... the phone is already activated with AT&T now that i am in Canada everything works Except for the phone.. I would like to unlock it so i can use it with my Rogers account.
Since all the posts for unlocking are for phones that have never been activated... iam wondering what exactly do i need to do..?????
I would really appreciate if someone could push me in the right direction..


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Ben Lewis first started teaching skiing in Austria in 1985. He spent 2 years there and 5 years at the Mt shasta ski park from 1995-2000. In 2001 Ben earned a multiple subject teaching credential from Chico State and began teaching in the charter school/ homeschool system around his home in Siskiyou County. Ben has taught, and speaks fluent German, he worked as a substitute teacher in the Bay Area from 1993-1995 and continued to do so after moving to Mt Shasta in 1996. As a mountain guide for Sierra Wilderness Seminars Ben focused in on the things he really wanted to learn about: natural science, history and the vast natural resources of the wild North State. After cutting firewood, hiking, exploring, backpacking and camping in Northern California's majestic mountains and forests, Ben's interests began to include the amazingly complex realm of forest and timber management. As natural Science and Forestry educator at Turle Bay Museum in Redding, CA Ben hopes to bridge the gap of understanding between those who wish to utilize our resources through conservation and management and yes, profit; and those who wish to preserve what has been called a natural environment in our state's vulnerable yet renewable forests. Ben is also a life long musician and singer who has been performing professionally since the age of 9 years old when he started singing with the San Francisco Boys Chorus. Ben has been writing and recording original music with various bands and alone in his home studio for the past 20 years. You can check it out at www.myspace.com/benjamminlewis.
Nanoscale phenomena, Technology tools and applications, Careers in nano, Envisioning the future


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Marbled Maple Leaf Cookie
Material List
- Wilton® Icing Color – Leaf Green, Red-Red, Orange, Lemon Yellow
- Wilton® Maple Leaf Comfort Grip™ Cutter
- Roll-Out Cookie Dough
- Cooling Grid
- Rolling Pin
Project Instructions
Prepare cookie dough.
Tint portions of dough green, red, orange and yellow.
Knead together portions of dough colors to marbleize.
Roll out dough and cut cookies using Maple Leaf Cutter.
Bake cookies according to cookie dough recipe and cool completely on cooling grid.
Each cookie serves 1.
Adult supervision is required at all times. Oven should only be used by an adult


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In my 52 years, I've been scared of a lot of things and situations.
But, why? I think it is called lacking faith in myself.
I remember as a child, I was scared to death of the dark. It was really silly because I shared a room with my sister, Kim, and my parents' room was a scream away. I think I had convinced myself I was seeing monsters and things were going bump in the night. I later found out the bump in the night was just our house settling.
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- Colors
Put an end to the sound of death from above.
- Aerofoil shape mimics an airplane wing to provide smooth, consistent airflow, which drastically reduces drag and noise
- Includes: two Whispbar Flush crossbars, four towers with SKS locks, four SmartFoot mounting hardware components with cushioned mounting pads
Share your thoughts
Review Summary
What do you think of the
Yakima Whispbar Flush Bar Rack Kit
? Share a...
do I need to order the fit kit with this...
Member since
do I need to order the fit kit with this package or is it included?
Can this work on the Prius V wagon?
Member since
Can this work on the Prius V wagon?
**HALF FLUSH= One Bar**
Alyssa Forrest
Member since
"Half kit lets you replace a damaged crossbar or add another bar to an existing rack to help distribute a load on your roof
Aerodynamic, silver crossbar is sleek, highly functional and extremely quiet."
Perfect Gear Addition
Member since
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Installed on '12 Mazdaspeed3; fixed-point roof.
Installation took about an hour using nothing more than an allen wrench and a tape measure. I couldn't noticed a difference in noise level with or without the base bars.
This has a rubber gasket that fills a t-slot, which holds attachments to the bars. When you want to put something on the bars; remove the covers, slide out the gaskets, slide in the attachment, then put the gaskets back in using your fingers to get them under the attachment points and needle-nose pliers to pull it through the last couple inches. If you don't install the gasket, the rack will whistle like crazy at anything above 30mph. With the gasket, it didn't make a sound, even with skis and a snowboard.
Definitely worth the investment, and I'll be picking up some bike tray come spring.
Need the whisper bar s6... Tell someone...
Member since
Need the whisper bar s6... Tell someone to place the order with yakima. It takes them a little time to ship and we want to get up there as soon as the snow flys...
Arthur Debowski
Member since
We have the S6 available above and ship pretty quickly. Just add it to your cart and proceed to checkout to find out what your delivery options would be.
Are you guys planning to restock on S9...
Member since
Are you guys planning to restock on S9 model? Hoping you are just out of them. Looking to fit them on my '13 Range Rover Sport - any help would be great - thanks!
Wayne Christoffersen
Member since
You are right we are just out of the S9 model currently and I can't believe that we wont be getting more in sometime in the future. The only thing is it doesn't look like we have an order in with Yakima at the moment so it might just be a little while. Sorry I can't be more specific, without any info posted from our buyers I can't even hazard a guess.
Do you carry the whisperbar s7? according...
Member since
Do you carry the whisperbar s7? according to their site, I need the S7 with the Whispbar K304 Fit Kit to fit my 2007 honda
Wayne Christoffersen
Member since
Hey Chris,
We do carry the S7's but we are currently sold out. Check back in a couple weeks, it looks like we should be getting in a shipment from Yakima soon and we should be getting some more S7's.
Have the Whispbars (S5) and love them....
Member since
Have the Whispbars (S5) and love them. Super quiet, low profile and simple installation. I'm looking for a fork mount bike rack for this kit but am having little luck. Anybody have suggestions?
Ben Givens
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Don't like the bulky, cluttered look of the other options? Then this is your rack. Super clean looking and quiet (although any rack you attach to it will most likely be noisy). Easy to install.
What cars does it fit?
Member since
What cars does it fit?
Tim Bohlken
Member since
go here and check out the fitment guide on yakima website.
Awesome Rack
"Steve Perry"
Member since
The flush look looks awesome.
They work great have absolutel zero complaints and would recomend this to anyone.
Member since
So are those really Whispbars on the new Impreza, or are they round bars?
No one seems to have the WhispBars for the new Impreza as far as I can tell!


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Greetings from a newbie.
Background: I'm redoing the powder room which is small (4.5' wide by 4.0' deep). I have a 19" wide wall mounted sink (17" deep) with about 2 1/2" of space to the wall (to the right of the sink as you face it). My present toilet is about 26" to 27" deep from the back wall (I took off the tank and discarded it before I measured it). The toilet is to the left of the sink as you face it. I do not want to re-size the room or move the plumbing.
I just read a forum topic on Toto toilets today. I was impressed with what Terry said about the Toto Guinevere model. My question is two fold: Do you think the Guinevere would be too big; and Can anyone recommend a small pedestal or wall mounted sink that would match with the Guinevere toilet? Unfortunately, the Guinevere pedestal sink is too wide. I like the design of the Guinevere and the other attributes that I read in the spec sheet. Any help would be greatly appreciated. (I don't know if it's common to mix and match sinks and toilets with new renovations). By the way, I like the Kohler iron works lavatory (k-28822-1W) but it may be too pricey. I'm wondering if the white colors match?


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Index Index – International free speech roundup 30/01/13
Twitter: indexcensorship
- The best job in the world: Gabriel García Márquez on journalism - http://t.co/Ryqqncb6uX via @Index_Magazine about 7 minutes ago
- RT @IndexEvents: Leading decade for ladies in film? You voted 1950s & Bette Davis - join us 27.04 @RichMixLondon for All About Eve http://t… about 8 minutes ago
- RT @SabineFreizer: Turkey shouldn't b extraditing journalists to Azerbaijan to be arrested when CoE is issuing reports like this https://t.… about 8 minutes ago
- Brazilian Congress passes Internet bill of rights http://t.co/jNXu1eWDgV via @reuters about 19 minutes ago
- #DontSpyOnUs: Push back against mass surveillance in the UK http://t.co/eEGlms6QDw about 31 minutes ago
- Boosting Big Brother: #Canada and the Digital #Privacy Act - http://t.co/3dqNMG7c6r @BKampmark for @IndexCensorship about 47 minutes ago
- India's elections and hate speech: A black mark for "greatest show on Earth", writes @misskaul http://t.co/4aBer42tZN about 49 minutes ago
- Sunday, 27 April: Leading Ladies - All About Eve screening and discussion - http://t.co/BpLxzAH6ZY via @Index_Magazine and @RichMixLondon about 1 hour ago
- Shine a light on #censorship through independent #journalism. Support @IndexCensorship http://t.co/Dvsc1xkVOu about 2 hours ago
- Swaziland: "Judges abusing the judicial system to settle personal scores" http://t.co/BltslVHHmc @GeeArms for @IndexCensorship about 3 hours ago


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Browse the events calendar below and discover all the fun activities you can experience at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. From the Wednesday night concert series to our annual Spring Wine Festival, there are plenty of events scheduled year-round that you will enjoy.
For more information visit our special Destin, Florida events page. For more information on events in The Village of Baytowne Wharf visit BaytowneWharf.com.
The Adventures of Andy the Angler and Captain Clyde Thursdays at 7 and 8pm
Andy and Clyde have been long time partners until their friendship is tested with the competition for the title of "The Best Fisherman of the Emerald Coast!" They recruit their crew from the audience and challenge each other at different spots around the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
© 2013 sandestin golf and beach resort: the premier resort destination on the northwest florida gulf coast.


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Rio Tinto's new chief flagged he would slash costs, spend capital more carefully and focus on shareholder value after the world's no.3 miner reported a $3 billion loss, its first ever full-year loss.
Chief Executive Sam Walsh was appointed last month when his predecessor was sacked for misjudged aluminium and coal acquisitions that led to $14.4 billion in write downs and left the company in the red.
In an exclusive interview with CNBC's "Worldwide Exchange," Walsh said the impairment charges were "very disappointing and unacceptable."
"We can do better and I will improve this great company further," Walsh told reporters, saying he would take a more aggressive approach to selling assets that no longer fitted with the company's goals.
Rio reported a 47 percent plunge in half-year underlying profit, its worst since 2009 due to sharp falls in commodity prices, although the result was slightly better than expected.
Underlying profit fell to $4.149 billion for July-December 2012 from $7.768 billion a year earlier, based on Reuters calculations. Analysts on average had forecast a half-year underlying profit of $3.93 billion.
Ahead of his first outing as chief executive, investors said the biggest challenges facing Walsh are to decide what to do with the group's Pacific Aluminium and diamonds businesses, both stuck on the auction block for over a year, and how to drive growth outside its powerhouse iron ore business, which generates nearly all of Rio's profits.
Walsh, 63, led the iron ore unit for nine years, slashing costs, securing stakes in high quality deposits, and automating operations with driver-less trucks and trains run from a high-tech center 1,500 kilometers (940 miles) away from the mines.
Cost-cutting is high on his agenda, with Walsh flagging the company would rip out more than $5 billion in total costs by the end of 2014, and cut annual running rates by $3 billion. Investors are eager to hear how exactly it plans to meet that goal.
"Throughout 2013 and 2014 we will seek to enhance margins at our existing businesses by unlocking substantial productivity improvements, aggressively reducing costs and better managing our sustaining capital," Walsh said in a statement.
Speaking to CNBC, Walsh said: "We are looking at a range of divestments this year. This is not a fire sale… but let me assure you, we are looking for value for our shareholders."
Under pressure from investors concerned that big miners wasted cash during the boom times and should have rewarded shareholders more generously, Rio raised its final dividend to 94.5 cents a share, well above forecasts around 87.5 cents.
"The market will like the lift in the dividend," said UBS analyst Glyn Lawcock.
Walsh told CNBC the high dividend is "an indication of the confidence the board has in the business".
Rio Tinto, like bigger rival BHP Billiton, has a "progressive" dividend policy that calls for it to steadily increase dividends in good times and bad, a policy that analysts say should be scrapped.
The iron ore business, which Walsh led until January, made up nearly all of Rio Tinto's second-half underlying earnings, with higher volumes partly offsetting a drop in prices, cushioning losses in aluminium operations.
For the full year, Rio reported a $2.99 billion loss, reflecting write downs on its Alcan takeover in 2007 and a coal acquisition in Mozambique, where transport challenges have slowed development and coal output estimates have been cut.
"The corporate division clearly failed last year...Some of that is clearly just lack of focus," John Meyer, an analyst at independent research firm SP Angel, told CNBC on Thursday.
Rio's shares touched a one-year high in Australia of A$72.30 ahead of the result. The stock has climbed nearly 30 percent over the past six months, outperforming the broader market as metals demand in China has picked up.
Iron ore prices have nearly doubled from a trough around $87 a ton last September to the current price around $155.


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OK, so the Chase is over, right? I mean, Jimmie Johnson already is past his worst Chase tracks, won at California and now has slam dunks ahead of him at Charlotte and at Martinsville.
The 48 is the best out-front team in NASCAR history, so it's over.
Not so fast. Johnson indeed has taken the points lead, and in any other year he might be 100-plus up, but not this year. Remarkable starts by Mark Martin and Juan Pablo Montoya have kept the pressure on Johnson and will prevent, at least for the next couple of races, Johnson and Chad Knaus from putting the Chase in cruise mode.
While many are handing Johnson his fourth consecutive title, those in contention aren't.
"It's really phenomenal what we've been able to do," Martin said. "There's no reason other than just the odds that say we can't sustain what we've been doing. We've been doing it long enough and actually gotten stronger in the last 10 or 12 races based on our experience together."
Doesn't sound like he's giving anything up.
The same might be said for some other guys, including Jeff Gordon, who need help to make a run at the title. With the three above-mentioned drivers averaging an absurd 3.5-average finish in the first four races, it's hard not to get discouraged.
"The only chance we have in the championship is for that average obviously to change," Gordon said. "Those three guys have been on a tear — they've been consistent and very competitive and leading laps — and you've got to give them a lot of credit for that. We've been making a strong comeback, but it's certainly not going to be enough unless we win the next six races or something."
Johnson, as he's always done, isn't going to tempt fate and start talking title, but his comment Thursday when asked about his chances should make the others cringe a bit.
"We feel good about things," he said. "Obviously the win last week is a big confidence-booster and helps the team and gives us some momentum — those types of things. We're at another great track. We have a lot of great tracks coming up for us. I'm certainly optimistic, but at the same time, the past is the past and we have to go out and do our jobs."
Of course, if he adds a sixth Charlotte win to his resume and others have problems, it could almost be over. For now, Johnson says he's enjoying the incredible competition.
"It's hard to think that after four races, when you've already got three of those guys that have made it that far, somebody of those three won't go ahead and finish it that way," he said. "That's what makes this Chase cool. To have a Chase that's that tight and that competitive, nobody is going to back into this championship. If you win it, you've got something to be proud of this year."
Lindsey Young is a sports writer at the Chattanooga Times Free Press who started work at the Chattanooga News-Free Press 24 years ago. He covers the Northwest Georgia prep beat and NASCAR. Lindsey's hometown is Ringgold, Ga., and he graduated from Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School. He received an associate's degree from Dalton Junior College (now Dalton State) and a bachelor's degree in communications from UTC. He has won several writing awards, including two Tennessee Sports ...


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Labour Unhinged and the Monty Python problemBy Emma.
Sometimes, you read something so defiantly muddle-headed, that you wonder if it is – in fact – satire. Monday, was just such an occasion. I read a post on Labour Uncut which was ostensibly evidence based, yet the holes in it were so big, the piece was more hole than substance.
The piece purported to prove that the theory of the missing 5 million votes that Labour lost between 1997 and 2010 is a core-vote strategy, and to show with numbers that it is doomed to failure.
For reasons passing understanding, the author Atul Hatwal chose to do this by comparing the ward-by-ward breakdowns from the London Assembly elections of 2012 with the London ward-by-ward breakdowns from 2010 local elections.
Where to start with why this is wrong?
Well firstly, focusing on London alone is crazy. Labour did rather well in London in 2010, or at least not as badly as we did in the country as a whole. So we were starting from a higher water mark than we would be elsewhere. This – of course – means that Labour has less ground to make up and so the distance it is possible to travel from where we were to where we need to be will be statistically less impressive than the national journey has the chance to be.
Secondly, there are real issues with comparing the data from assembly elections with the data from either General Elections or council elections. The elections were not being fought at ward level, and so much more emphasis was given to turning out a high Labour vote in areas we are strongest, and less on fighting in marginal and Tory wards. The Assembly elects through a combination of list and multiple borough constituencies. These give voters more reason to vote for smaller parties and independents than they would in a general election.
If you look at places outside London that had local elections in both 2010 and 2012 the Labour strike rate is very much higher. It was 80% on the Hatwal's definition in Southampton, 100% in Plymouth (plus an extra ward that was even harder to win), all the wards up to a 10% swing in Reading, everything that meets the Hatwal criterion in Yarmouth, Basildon, Harlow and Ipswich. 80% (plus one extra) in Birmingham, Dudley everything up to 10% swing plus one extra. These are all key targets in mostly Lab/Con, southern, swing seats.
And then there are the glaring and really quite bizarre omissions from the analysis. There is no weighting given at all to the fact that the London Assembly elections – with the best will in the world – took a back seat to the Ken and Boris show. No credence is given – at all – to the idea that Ken Livingstone was an overall drag on the Labour ticket despite the fact that Hatwal himself wrote that this was the case in no uncertain terms after the election. On this occasion I happen to agree with him. It seems that if Hatwal and I are both right about this, it is at least likely that this is more likely to be true in Tory wards than in Labour ones, several of which saw Ken increase his vote.
But the weirdest omission of all is the complete lack of any narrative around the Lib Dems spectacular collapse. They just aren't mentioned. Which is crazy as there's a real story to tell about the fact that in some of their seats (for example Brent Central or Haringey and Wood Green where they failed to beat Labour in a single ward). It's true that the fight is going to be between us and the Tories, but to simply ignore the Lib Dems like their voters aren't good enough or are already in the bag would be a very stupid thing to do.
So the geographical basis of the piece – quite apart from laying it completely open to charges of extreme London-centricity – massively skews the findings.
Finally, the piece doesn't even have the courage to extrapolate its own numbers to a general election, even though the implication of the piece is that this proves the 5 Million Votes strategy wrong for a future general election.
Why not? Well speaking to excellent psephologist and analyst Lewis Baston, he says that because even under this most pessimistic, flawed and cherry-picked of approaches, the result of Labour winning 51% of seats where we need a swing of 5% or less from the Tories (assuming the very least expected from the Lib Dem collapse) would leave us with approximately 299 seats and put Ed Miliband in number 10. Perhaps not with an overall majority, but certainly as leader of the largest Party. The reality may be better, it may be worse, but that would be the case according to this model. The analysis fails even on its own deeply flawed terms. No surprise Hatwal didn't want you to know that.
Why does it matter? It's just another blog on a website not famed for its balanced approach to Labour Party politics. But as someone who believes there might be something to this 5 Million Votes theory, it does matter to me that the theory is tested robustly by those who disagree with me.
I'd like Labour to win in such a way that opens up more space to be innovative on our left flank. I'd like Labour to have the strength and ability to mobilse a large group of voters whose loyalty is less testable than those we might peel away from the Tories (important though those undoubtedly are). But ultimately, I want Labour to win the next election and every election after that. So if those who believe a move away from alaser-like focus on triangulation will be electorally disastrous then I want them to convince me this is so for the good of Party strategy.
I loathe bad data when I see the Government use it, I loathe it when I see the left use it. If this is the best I'm going to be offered, then I'm afraid you're a very, very long way from anything like a good argument (which is a shame, because – as you might be able to tell from this piece – I love a good argument. One that – as Monty Python taught us – is a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition (true statements by preference)).
Labour must be more robust than this. I know I intend to and I ask those who disagree with me to do the same.
this post first appeared on Labour List.
Tags: 5 Million Votes, Atul Hatwal, Labour Uncut